Abstract
The ever-increasing number of devices on wearable and portable systems comes with challenges such as integration complexity, higher power requirements, and less user comfort. In this regard, the development of multifunctional devices could help immensely as they will provide the same functionalities with lesser number of devices. Herein, we present a dual-function flexible loop antenna printed on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) substrate. With a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): polystyrene (PEDOT:PSS) section as part of the printed structure, the presented antenna can also serve as a temperature sensor by means of change in resistance. The antenna resonates at 1.2- and 5.8-GHz frequencies. The ohmic resistance of the temperature sensing part decreases by ~70% when the temperature increases from 25 °C to 90 °C. The developed antenna was characterized using a vector network analyzer (VNA) in the same temperature range and the S11 magnitude was found to change by ~3.5 dB. The induced current was also measured in the GSM frequency range and sensitivity of ~1.2%/°C was observed for the sensing antenna. The flexible antenna was also evaluated in lateral and cross-bending conditions and the response was found to be stable for the cross-bending. Due to these unique features, the presented antenna sensor could play a vital role in the drive toward ubiquitous sensing through wearables, smart labels, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Highlights
E LECTRONIC research in recent years has seen a major focus toward the development of flexible printed devices that could confirm curvy surfaces and meet the requirement of many applications, such as e-organs, robotics, wearable systems, Internet-of-Things (IoT) interfaces, etc., [1]–[3]
Utilizing antennas as sensors is an interesting approach [6], as the concept can minimize the number of passive components and could lead to lowpower solutions suitable for Internet of Things (IoT) applications in fields, such as healthcare, logistics, etc
This study addresses the issue of multipurpose electronic components
Summary
E LECTRONIC research in recent years has seen a major focus toward the development of flexible printed devices that could confirm curvy surfaces and meet the requirement of many applications, such as e-organs, robotics, wearable systems, Internet-of-Things (IoT) interfaces, etc., [1]–[3]. These advances have enriched the quality and quantity of data, Manuscript received July 7, 2020; revised October 26, 2020 and December 4, 2020; accepted January 9, 2021.
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